Folding car-stake.



H. H. SEAMAN. FOLDING GAB. STAKE.

APPLICATION FILED AUG. 23, 1907.

' Patented Dec.22, 1908.

' 2 sums-sum 1.

D o .r. n a v n ad H. H. SEAMAN.

FOLDING GAB STAKE. APPLIOATION FILED AUG. 23, 1901.

907,183. Patented Dec, 22, 1908.

2 sums-an ma HARRY H. SEAMAN, OF EVERETT, WASHINGTON.

FOLDING CAR-STAKE.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Dec. 22, 1908.

Application filed August 23, 1907. Serial No. 389,896.

ing to simplify the general construction and to form the stake connecting rod in two pieces so that it can be swung in between the stake when the stake is folded.

Another object of my invention is to form a stake out of a pair of I-shaped bars spaced apart forming guideways and casings for the connecting rod.

Another object of my invention is to rovide very novel locking means for 100 'ng the stakes in a folded position, so as to prevent the same from accidentally slipping out from one side.

' claims.

In the drawings forming a part of this specification:-Figure 1 is a perspective view of an end portion of a flat car showing my improved stake arranged thereon in a vertical position. Fig. 2 is a section taken on line 22 of Fig. 1. Fig. 3 is a detail vertical sectional view through the socket and a portion of the stake. Fig. 4 is a transverse sectional view through the car showing my improved stake folded. Fig. 5 is a section taken on the line 55 of Fig. 4. Fig. 6 is a detail plan view, a portion of the car and socket partly broken away showing the manner of connecting the socket to the side-sill.

:- Referring to the drawings A indicates the top of an ordinary flat car formed of the usual car-sills A and planking A a plank being left off adjacent each end of the car forming an opening which is closed by a metal 5 plate B. Notches are formed in the topof-f the inner-sills, in which are secured cross beams C which are inclosed by a metal plate D at their bottom, forming spaced casings for the purpose hereinafter fully described. The outside sills are notched to opposite sides of the transverse center of the notches of the inner sills, over which on the outside of the sills are secured sockets E, by U-shaped bolts F which fit into an annular groove formed in a boss on the outside of the socket, and extends through the outside sill and are locked by the ordinary nut. The lower end of the sockets are secured to the sills by bolts E forming stops for the purpose hereinafter fully described. The outer side of the sockets at their upper ends, are notched and projecting inward from opposite sides of the sockets, adjacent their upper edges, are curved lugs E Mounted in each of the sockets is a stake formed of a pair of I-shaped bars G, spaced apart at their ends by blocks G which are secured to ether by bolts G adapted to engage the ugs of the sockets which work in the grooves of the bars, and prevent the stakes from being removed, the bolts E forming stops on which. the lower ends of the stakes are adapted to rest when in a vertical position.

Mounted in the guide-ways formed between the two bars of the stakes are curved blocks H and I, the block H' carrying a rod H. having a threaded end, and the block I carrying a rod 1 on which is mounted a turnbuckle I adapted to engage the threaded end of the rod H and securely lock the stakes together and in a vertical position. When it is desired to fold the stakes the bars are disconnected, and swung down in the guideways, the stakes are then drawn upwardly and swung outwardly until they rest on the upper edge of the notch of the sockets. They are then shoved inwardly into the casings, the bottom plate of which forms uideways for the same. For locking the sta es in this position I secure on the inside of one of the middle sills, guide-members J, in which is mounted a locking bar K which extends the whole length of the car, and is provided with upwardly extending locking lugs K adjacent each end, adapted to work through openings formed in the casing, and fit into notches L formed in the flanges of the bars of the stake for securely locking the stakes in a folded osis so as to revent the same from wor ing a 'to the si e of the car. The locking bar K is provided with a handle K at one end, for operating the bar, and a lug K adapted to be held into engagement with a bracket by a spring N mounted on one of the guidemembers J. It will be seen that when it is desired to release the stakes, the bar is moved upwardly and drawn outwardly, so as to throw the locking lugs out of engagement with the notches of the stake, so as to allow the stakes to be drawn outwardly and put in position to be used.

From the foregoing description it will be readily seen that I have provided very novel stakes, which are exceedingly simple and cheap in construction and which can be folded and pushed under the platform of the car, and seourel locked out of the way.

Having tlius fully described my invention, what I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent is 1. In a folding car stake, the combination with sockets, of stakes having interlocking and sliding connection with said sockets and sliding means for locking said stakes in a folded osition.

2. T e combination with sockets, of stakes having interlocking and sliding connection with said sockets, blocks slidably mounted in said stakes, means connecting said blocks and sliding means for locking said stakes in a folded position.

3. The combination with notched sockets and slotted stakes mounted in said sockets, blocks slidably mounted in said stakes, means connecting said sockets, and sliding means for locking said stakes in a folded position.

4. The combination with notched car sills, having casings arranged therein, of sockets secured on the outside sills, stakes having an interlocking and sliding connection with the sockets, adapted to slide in said casings, and means slidably mounted in brackets carried by the car for locking said sockets in said casings.

lugs, stakes provided wit 5. In a folding car stake, the combination with notched car sills having casings arranged therein, of sockets secured on the outside of said sills, of stakes slotted throughout, their length, mounted in said sockets, blocks slidably mounted in said stakes carrying means for connecting said stakes, and means for locking said stakes in a folded position.

6. The combination with a car having notched sills, having spaced casings arranged therein, of notched sockets arranged over the notches of the outside sills, grooved stakes arranged in said sockets having an interlocking and sliding connection with the sockets adapted to slide into said casings and means for locking said stakes in said casin s.

7. The combination with notched sifis, having notched sockets secured over said notches, stakes having interlocking and sliding connection with the said sockets, said stakes having notches formed therein, and a bar provided with locking lugs adapted to fit in said notches when said stakes are in a folded position, for the purpose described.

8. In a foldin car stake, the combination with notched si ls having casings arranged therein, of notched sockets arranged over the notches of the outside sills, said sockets being provided with op ositely disposed guide-ways arranged in said sockets having an interlocking and sliding connection therewith, a looking bar slidably mounted on one of said sills provided with locking lugs, adapted to engage notches formed in said stakes, when in a folded position, for the purpose described.

HARRY H. SEAMAN.

Witnesses:

L. O. PLAYFORD, J. E. SWALWELL. 

